The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of Short Term Rentals - VRBO and AirBNBs

If you're considering booking a short-term rental like an Airbnb for your next trip, it's important to be aware of the local laws and regulations to ensure a smooth and hassle-free stay. Here’s an overview of what you need to know as a guest, including destinations where short-term rentals may be restricted or even banned.

Key Considerations for Booking a Short-Term Rental

1. Legality Check: Before booking, make sure that short-term rentals are legal in your desired destination. Regulations vary widely by country, state, and even city, and they can change frequently. What’s legal in one area might be restricted or banned in another, so it’s important to confirm that your rental is compliant with local laws.

2. Changing Regulations: Rules around short-term rentals are constantly evolving as cities try to balance tourism with the needs of local residents. Some places have recently introduced new restrictions or are enforcing existing rules more strictly. Be aware that your booking could be affected by sudden changes in local laws.

3. Impact on Neighborhoods:

   • Housing Market Impact: In some cities, short-term rentals are restricted to help alleviate housing shortages and maintain affordability for local residents. The popularity of platforms like Airbnb can drive up rents, making it harder for residents to find long-term housing.

   • Community Concerns: Local residents may worry that short-term rentals could disrupt their neighborhoods, turning quiet residential areas into busy, transient zones. This is a common reason behind many cities’ decisions to restrict or ban short-term rentals.

     
     

Cities in Southern California with Bans/Restrictions on Short-Term Rentals:

In Southern California, many cities have strict regulations or outright bans on short-term rentals to protect housing markets and preserve the quality of life for residents. If you’re looking to book a short-term rental in this area, be aware of these cities with notable restrictions:

• Anaheim

• Aliso Viejo

• Costa Mesa

• Garden Grove

• Los Angeles

• Laguna Niguel

• Lake Forest

• Pasadena

• Tustin

• San Diego

• Santa Ana

• Villa Park

• West Hollywood

• Westminster

• Yorba Linda

Coastal Cities with Restrictions

• Hermosa Beach: This city has strict regulations on entire home rentals; typically, only hosted stays (where the host lives on the property during the stay) are permitted.

• Laguna Beach: Heavily regulated with permits required for short-term rentals, and many areas are off-limits for these types of bookings.

• Manhattan Beach: Short-term rentals of entire homes are banned; only hosted rentals are allowed under specific conditions.

• Santa Monica: Known for some of the toughest short-term rental laws, Santa Monica only allows hosted rentals, where the host must be present during the guest's stay.

Northern California Cities with Short-Term Rental Bans or Restrictions:

1. San Francisco: San Francisco has stringent regulations on short-term rentals. Hosts are required to register with the city, must be permanent residents of the property, and can only rent out their home for a maximum of 90 days per year if they are not present during the guest's stay. Entire home rentals without the host present for stays of fewer than 30 days are heavily restricted.

2. Berkeley: Berkeley allows short-term rentals, but they must be hosted stays, meaning the host must be on-site during the guest's visit. Entire home rentals are not allowed if the host is not present, and all short-term rentals must be registered with the city.

3. Oakland: Oakland permits short-term rentals with certain conditions. Hosts must live on the property for at least 275 days per year and must register with the city. Non-hosted rentals have stricter limitations, particularly for apartment units.

4. Sausalito: Sausalito bans most short-term rentals, particularly in residential zones. A limited number of hosted stays are allowed, but they require a permit and must comply with strict guidelines.

5. Larkspur: Larkspur has tight restrictions on short-term rentals. Most residential areas do not permit STRs, and enforcement is strict against unlicensed rentals.

6. Belvedere: Short-term rentals are largely prohibited in Belvedere, with very few exceptions. The city has taken steps to ensure that the residential character of neighborhoods is maintained.

7. Mill Valley: Mill Valley restricts short-term rentals, especially in areas zoned for single-family residences. Permits are required, and there are caps on the number of nights a property can be rented out.

8. Napa: Napa has strict regulations, especially within the city limits. STRs are not allowed in many residential zones, and permits are limited even in zones where they are allowed. In Napa County, the rules vary, and many areas outside of city limits also have bans or restrictions.

9. St. Helena: St. Helena has a ban on short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods to preserve the local housing stock and reduce the impact on the community.

10. Healdsburg: Healdsburg has capped the number of short-term rental permits issued and has strict rules about where STRs can operate. Most STRs are only allowed in designated commercial or mixed-use areas.

Tips for Guests

• Do Your Research: Before booking, verify that your rental is compliant with local regulations. Check listings carefully, and if unsure, contact the host or consult local regulations directly. Before booking or planning a short-term rental, always verify the local rules and whether the property is compliant. Local city websites often have detailed information on permitted STR activities.

• Stay Updated: Since regulations can change quickly, keep an eye on any updates that might affect your booking, especially if you're planning far in advance. Many cities that do allow short-term rentals require hosts to obtain specific permits or licenses, and they often impose caps on the number of rental nights allowed per year.

• Respect Community Norms: Be considerate of the local community by following house rules, keeping noise levels down, and being respectful of the neighborhood environment.

By staying informed and choosing compliant rentals, you can enjoy your stay while supporting sustainable tourism practices in your chosen destination. Happy travels!